The Atlanta Braves were active early in the offseason, but after checking off most of their major needs, things have quieted around the organization. Even so, thereās still room for improvementāmost notably in the starting rotation, an area that could play a major role in the teamās postseason hopes. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has emphasized that the Braves are continuing to evaluate their options.
āWeāve looked into the starting rotation, whether thatās through a trade or a free-agent signing,ā Anthopoulos said. āIdeally, we want someone impactfulāsomeone we believe could start a playoff game.ā
Last season was a challenging one for the Braves, particularly for Michael Harris. He struggled early in the year but began to find his groove in the second half.
āChipper told me itās better to swing from up to down than down to up, so being up there is actually a good thing,ā Harris explained. āSince then, everythingās felt cleaner, and I havenāt had to overthink as much. We were searching for something, trying to get my hands in the right position, and it eventually came down to me saying, āIām just going to raise them.ā Iād done it my whole life, so if I changed it after getting called up, why not go back now?ā
Still, with Harrisās uneven production and injury history, the Braves recently brought in international prospect Starling De La Cruz.

āDe La Cruz profiles as a speedy, contact-first outfielder rather than a power hitter,ā wrote HTHBās Eric Cole. āThat may undersell him a bit, as he does hit the ball hard and will run into some home runs. However, heās on the smaller side and isnāt expected to add much strength. With his speed and defensive instincts, he has the potential to develop into a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder if everything clicks.ā
Harris is now aware that thereās a rising prospect in the system who could eventually push for playing time. While Harris remains an elite defender, the Braves wonāt hesitate to explore other options if De La Cruzās bat develops faster.
Though De La Cruzās impact is likely still a few years away, itās a situation worth monitoring as he moves through the minor leagues. Harris is aiming for a breakout campaign, and the presence of a promising young talent like De La Cruz could be the spark that helps him reach that next level.
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